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Need advice? You’re in luck. Our Heavy Meddleadvice columnist, Steve Almond, is here to help. Send your questions using this form. No holds barred. And yes, you can remain anonymous. Questions may be edited. New posts every Monday.

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Cognoscenti

Ideas and opinions presented by WBUR, Boston’s NPR® News Station.

cognoscenti /kɒgnəˈʃɛnti/ pl. noun/ people who are especially well informed about a particular subject. Origin: late 18th century: Italian, literally ‘people who know,’ from Latin cognoscent-, ‘getting to know’

The gig economy — perhaps best embodied by companies like Uber and Lyft — may account for less than 1 percent of the workforce. But, it has sparked a debate over what’s fair to those making a living outside typical employment relationships.

Cleaning up the shopping carts may not be your dream job, but for guys like my Nat, walking around in the fresh air, putting things away, and not having to talk to people is an ideal way for him to spend his time.

As the industry struggles to stay afloat, more and more newspapers are charging readers for online content. But instead of being straightforward, some papers refuse to call a spade a spade.

Mon, Mar 11, 2013

Contributor Spotlight

Need advice? You’re in luck. Our Heavy Meddleadvice columnist, Steve Almond, is here to help. Send your questions using this form. No holds barred. And yes, you can remain anonymous. Questions may be edited. New posts every Monday.

Featured Comment

I admire the writer’s honesty and the way the piece leaves the questions there to think about, rather than posing answers.